TechCrunch Startup News

Artisan, the AI agent startup, created a stir when it was briefly banned from LinkedIn. The CEO reveals the ban was linked to LinkedIn's concerns over name misuse and alleged data scraping. The discussion highlights Artisan's innovative growth strategies, including intriguing billboard campaigns and their AI agent, Ava. Amidst the drama, the startup plans to refine its approach and expand product offerings. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for other tech ventures in the data-driven agent space.

Discover how Quilt is revolutionizing heating with its advanced three-zone heat pump. The company leverages extensive sensor data to enhance performance and deliver over-the-air capacity boosts. Learn about their innovative solutions to common issues like low-speed compressor instability and how real-world testing outperforms costly lab methods. With tailored design tweaks, each indoor unit operates efficiently—even at very low temperatures. Plus, get a glimpse into Quilt's future plans for expanding their product line through data-driven innovation.

LMArena has skyrocketed to a $1.7B valuation, achieving unicorn status in just seven months after its $150M Series A. The company has also generated an impressive $30M in annual recurring revenue shortly after launch. Meanwhile, Intel spinout Articul8 has raised over half of a $70M funding round, reaching a $500M valuation. This company is thriving with a revenue-positive model and is expanding internationally, backed by partnerships with tech giants like NVIDIA and Google Cloud.

Mario Götze, known for his World Cup-winning goal, dives into his unexpected role as an angel investor. He discusses his dual career, balancing football with investing, including notable investments like the cannabis company Sanity Group. With over 70 companies under his investment firm, he shares insights on their focus areas and future plans post-retirement. Götze's ability to navigate both worlds showcases his unique perspective and strategic thinking, making his journey a fascinating blend of sport and venture capital.

This week, the spotlight is on a revolutionary terahertz-band vision sensor for cars, designed to enhance the capabilities of traditional lidar and radar. Its high-resolution and weather-resistant features make it a game changer. Teradar is actively testing with top automakers, reflecting strong interest despite recent lidar market turbulence. The company secured significant funding and aims to scale its technology across the automotive industry. Exciting insights into the future of vehicle sensors await!

Investors are flocking to Arya.ag, an Indian agritech company that thrives amid falling global crop prices. Its innovative storage model gives farmers control while offering loans against stored grain. The company boasts impressive financials, including $3B in grain and sub-0.5% loan performance. Using advanced technology like AI and satellite data, Arya.ag strategically manages risks and plans for IPO and expansion into Asia and Africa.

The allure of being a dropout is back, especially for startup founders pitching at Y Combinator. Despite data showing most successful entrepreneurs have degrees, many are now highlighting their dropout status. Fear of missing out on the AI boom is leading students to leave school early, with some even withdrawing just before graduation. Interestingly, VCs often see value in near-graduation dropouts for their networks. Meanwhile, some investors still prefer the wisdom of older founders over the youthful zeal of those who left college.

Three savvy investors share the secrets to crafting a winning pitch deck. They caution against buzzword overload, urging founders to avoid empty jargon. Key questions revolve around market size, founder fit, and validation, all vital for potential billion-dollar success. For AI startups, they suggest showcasing domain expertise and a robust competitive strategy. Honesty about competitors is crucial for credibility. Their final advice? Stay current, build your network, and focus intensely on product development.

Founders seeking Series A funding should understand the shifting expectations around deal sizes and rounds. Investors emphasize the importance of proving product-market fit and consistent growth. Passion and endurance are crucial traits for founders, as highlighted by industry experts. AI's influence on fundraising is also discussed, with a call for clear differentiation in a competitive landscape. Ultimately, while standards are high, investors remain eager to support ventures with potential for significant impact.

A food waste startup is set to revolutionize grocery stores with its innovative commercial bins. The company recently struck a deal with Whole Foods, starting bin deployment in 2027. These bins not only cut costs by grinding and dehydrating waste but also convert it into feed for egg producers. They gather crucial data to help minimize overall waste, leveraging AI for better detection of shelf-worthy products. The journey from a consumer-focused strategy to enterprise sales shows how adaptability can lead to future success.